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Portugal Space Reference

PTS_EDU_EuRoC_ST_000763Version 01, Date 30.06.2022

UROPEAN

OCKETRY

HALLENGE

AUNCH

PERATIONS

UIDE

L 77 - 2022-23 (2. samling) - Bilag 1: Høringssvar og høringsnotat, fra uddannelses- og forskningsministeren

Portugal Space Reference PTS_EDU_EuRoC_ST_000763

Version 01, Date 30.06.2022

European Rocketry Challenge

–

Launch Operations Guide

INTERNAL APPROVAL

PREPARED BY:

Álvaro Lopes, Portuguese Space Agency

Inês d’Ávila, Portuguese Space Agency

Manuel Wilhelm, Portuguese Space Agency

Paulo Quental, Portuguese Space Agency

Signature:

Date: 30/06/2022

VERIFIED BY:

Marta Gonçalves, Portuguese Space Agency

Signature:

Date: 30/06/2022

APPROVED BY:

Ricardo Conde, Portuguese Space Agency

Signature:

Date: 30/06/2022

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Portugal Space Reference PTS_EDU_EuRoC_ST_000763

Version 01, Date 30.06.2022

LIST OF REVISIONS

EVISION

Version 01

ATE

30/06/2022

ESCRIPTION

Original edition.

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Portugal Space Reference PTS_EDU_EuRoC_ST_000763

Version 01, Date 30.06.2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................... 5

1.1. B

ACKGROUND

........................................................................................................................... 5

1.2. P

URPOSE AND

COPE

.................................................................................................................. 6

2. EVENT LOCATIONS .................................................................................................................... 6

2.1. A

CCESS

ONTROL

....................................................................................................................... 7

2.2. P

ADDOCK

................................................................................................................................. 7

2.3. L

AUNCH

ITE

............................................................................................................................. 7

3. LOGISTICS & ACQUISITIONS..................................................................................................... 10

3.1. P

YROTECHNICIAN

ICENSE

.......................................................................................................... 10

3.2. COTS S

OLID

OTOR

CQUISITION

............................................................................................... 10

3.3. SRAD S

OLID

OTORS

............................................................................................................... 10

3.4. L

IQUIDS

& G

ASES

CQUISITION

................................................................................................... 11

3.5. E

NERGETICS

CQUISITION

........................................................................................................... 11

3.6. I

MPORT

XPORT TO

ROM

ORTUGAL

......................................................................................... 12

3.7. T

RANSPORTATION TO

AT THE

VENT

............................................................................................. 12

4. LAUNCH SITE ORGANIZATION.................................................................................................. 13

4.1. R

OLES AND

ESPONSIBILITIES

...................................................................................................... 13

4.2. L

AUNCH

ITE

PERATION

EGULATIONS

........................................................................................ 14

4.3. L

AUNCH

OCATION AND

AUNCH

IRECTION

............................................................................ 15

4.4. V

EHICLE

PERATIONAL

EGULATIONS

........................................................................................... 15

4.5. A

IRSPACE

............................................................................................................................... 16

4.6. M

ETEOROLOGICAL

ONDITIONS

................................................................................................... 16

4.7. L

AUNCH

ITE

TATUS

................................................................................................................ 16

4.8. L

AUNCH

AIL

ENNANT

............................................................................................................. 17

5. SCHEDULING ........................................................................................................................... 18

5.1. S

CHEDULING

ROCESS

............................................................................................................... 18

5.2. B

ACKUP

AUNCH

LOTS

............................................................................................................. 18

5.3. E

VENT

AYS

............................................................................................................................ 18

5.4. S

ETUP

IME

............................................................................................................................ 19

6. PRE-LAUNCH PREPARATION .................................................................................................... 19

6.1. P

REPARATION AT THE

ADDOCK

................................................................................................... 19

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6.2. F

LIGHT

EADINESS

EVIEW

(FRR) ................................................................................................ 20

6.3. L

AUNCH

AIL

HECK

............................................................................................................. 20

6.4. L

AUNCH

AIL

ETUP

.................................................................................................................. 21

6.5. COTS S

OLID

OTORS

REPARATION

............................................................................................ 21

6.6. H

YBRID

& L

IQUID

OCKETS

REPARATION

...................................................................................... 21

6.7. SRAD S

OLID

OTORS

REPARATION

............................................................................................ 22

6.8. O

-S

ITE

ESTING

..................................................................................................................... 22

7. LAUNCH DAY OPERATIONS ...................................................................................................... 22

7.1. A S

AMPLE

AUNCH

............................................................................................................. 22

7.2. M

ORNING

RIEFING

.................................................................................................................. 23

7.3. L

AUNCH

REPARATION

........................................................................................................ 23

7.4. L

AUNCH

REPARATION

........................................................................................................ 24

7.5. E

NERGETICS

............................................................................................................................ 24

7.6. M

OTOR

NSTALLATION

............................................................................................................... 24

7.7. L

AUNCH

EADINESS

EVIEW

(LRR)............................................................................................... 24

7.8. L

OADING OF

ROPELLANTS

......................................................................................................... 25

7.9. F

LIGHT

ARD

........................................................................................................................... 26

7.10. W

EATHER

HECK

.................................................................................................................... 26

7.11. U

PDATED

LIGHT

IMULATION AND

RAJECTORY

NALYSIS

.............................................................. 26

7.12. T

RANSPORT OF THE

OCKET TO THE

AUNCH

.......................................................................... 27

7.13. M

OUNTING ON THE

AUNCH

AIL

.............................................................................................. 27

7.14. I

GNITION

YSTEM

................................................................................................................... 27

7.15. E

STABLISHING

AUNCH

EADINESS

............................................................................................. 27

7.16. A

RMING

............................................................................................................................... 28

7.17. C

ONNECTING

GNITERS

............................................................................................................. 28

7.18. G

-G

ALL

................................................................................................................... 28

7.19. C

OUNTDOWN

........................................................................................................................ 29

7.20. L

AUNCH

............................................................................................................................... 29

7.21. M

ISHAP

............................................................................................................................... 29

7.22. C

ONTINUATION OF

ALVO

........................................................................................................ 30

7.23. R

ECOVERY

............................................................................................................................ 30

7.24. P

OSTFLIGHT

EVIEW

& P

OSTFLIGHT

ECORD

................................................................................. 30

7.25. L

AUNCH

ITE

AINTENANCE AND

LEANING

................................................................................. 31

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. B

ACKGROUND

The Portuguese Space Agency

–

Portugal Space promotes the EuRoC

–

European Rocketry Challenge,

hosted in the Municipality of Ponte de Sor, a competition that seeks to stimulate university level

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Portugal Space Reference PTS_EDU_EuRoC_ST_000763

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students to fly sounding rockets, by designing and building the rockets themselves. It is widely

recognized that such competitions foster innovation and motivate students to extend themselves

beyond the classroom, while learning to work as a team, solving real world problems under the same

pressures they will experience in their future careers.

EuRoC is fully aligned with the strategic goals of Portugal Space, namely the development and

evolution of the cultural/educational internationalization frameworks capable of boosting the

development of the Space sector in Portugal.

Since EuRoC’s first edition, in 2020, where 100 students were present to 2021, with 400 students

participating, the growth of the competition within Europe is visible, and especially within Portugal,

with an increasing number of interested teams applying to the competition. For the future, it is

Portugal Space’s goal to continue to foster the exchange of knowledge and international interaction

inherent to the event, allowing more students to gain from the Challenge and, at the same time,

contribute to it.

This document defines all procedures for the launch operations in EuRoC. Revisions of this document

will be accomplished by document reissue, marked by the version number. The authority to approve

and issue revised versions of this document rests with Portugal Space.

1.2. P

URPOSE AND

COPE

The Launch Operations Guide (LOG) aims at providing the overarching procedures for the launch

activities to take place at EuRoC. This document focuses on practical information regarding operations

and safety, among others, enabling teams to better understand what to expect and what teams should

comply with, once arriving at the event.

The EuRoC organizers reserve the right to update the document whenever necessary, including with

more detailed and precise information closer to the event, as well as adapt the document during

launch operations to real world conditions.

Please note that all the pictures and schematics provided within this guide are merely indicative being

subject to changes.

2. EVENT LOCATIONS

The EuRoC features two locations: the Paddock at Ponte de Sor Airfield and the Launch Site at Santa

Margarida Military Camp.

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2.1. A

CCESS

ONTROL

Teams can access the premises of the Airfield via the main gate. Teams will need to register at the

EuRoC registration desk, at the paddock, during the morning of the first event day to obtain their

EuRoC credentials to access the premises on subsequent days.

Teams can only access the launch site, via the main gate of the military camp, with the respective

EuRoC credentials.

2.2. P

ADDOCK

The paddock is located at the Airfield of Ponte de Sor, about 125 km North-East of Lisbon.

The paddock will have the necessary infrastructures for teams to work and assemble the projects

prior to the launch day. For loading/unloading purposes, it is expected that teams can temporarily

access an unloading area closer to the paddock, to be checked prior with the EuRoC official present

on site.

Figure 1: Paddock at Ponte de Sor Airfield

2.3. L

AUNCH

ITE

The launch site will be located at the Santa Margarida Military Camp, about 50 km North-West of Ponte

de Sor Airfield where the paddock is located, reachable by car in approximately 45 min from there.

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Figure 2: Paddock, Launch Site, and route in between.

The launch site features the following areas:

•

Public Area;

Safety Tower;

Teams Preparation Area;

Pyro Preparation Area;

Pyro Shop;

Mission Control;

Launch Pad;

Liquids and Gaseous Propellants Storage Area.

In the public area, teams will find a roofed tribune, that will be open to the teams and public for leisure

but will be cleared for launch. A spectator area in front of the tribune will be where all spectators can

follow the launches. The safety tower is located near the tribune, where the range safety personnel

will be stationed, including first responders in case of emergency. Please note that the launch site

layout (see Figure 3) might be subject to changes.

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Figure 3: Launch site layout.

Figure 4: View of the launch pad area and launch rails of EuRoC 2021.

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3. LOGISTICS & ACQUISITIONS

3.1. P

YROTECHNICIAN

ICENSE

The local regulations demand that each team shall have at least one person holding a valid

pyrotechnician license issued in Portugal to manipulate any explosives and pyrotechnics. This person

shall be responsible for the setup of the rocket on the field or the one supervising the construction

and project. This team member shall also be the EuRoC point of contact for all propulsion related

matters.

The pyrotechnician license will only be valid during EuRoC where there will be a lead pyrotechnician

on-site to overview all pyrotechnics manipulation and ease the process before the authorities.

For the EuRoC officials to fill out the pyrotechnician paperwork with the proper authorities, teams will

be requested to provide the team member personal information (i.e., name, email, phone number,

address and digital copy of the identification document). This information will be requested upon the

filling of the Technical Questionnaire.

3.2. COTS S

OLID

OTOR

CQUISITION

Only COTS solid motors from the official EuRoC Motors List and specified by the teams in the Technical

Questionnaire are permitted at EuRoC. After submission of the questionnaire the EuRoC organizers

will contact the teams to provide detailed information on the acquisition process, including ordering,

transport, and payment.

When filling out the Technical Questionnaire teams should specify at least two backup choices in case

the first option is not available, in this way avoiding back and forth communication with the

organization and expediting the acquisition process.

When ordering the motors, teams shall order everything needed and verify what is included in the

order, since some components might not be found in Portugal (e.g., US bolts). Teams should be aware

that the motors have manufacturing tolerances and thus do not always fit in the casing. Thus, teams

shall come prepared to accommodate all difficulties that may arise, having into attention that there

will be no spares for the team’s motor.

Teams intending to purchase multiple motors (e.g., staging, clustering) should contact the EuRoC

organization immediately after the submission of the Technical Questionnaire.

3.3. SRAD S

OLID

OTORS

Teams with SRAD solid motors are required to submit a SRAD Motor Technical Description and the

Fuels

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Material Data Sheets of their system as an appendix to the Concept Report. This must include motor

technical details, details on fuels/oxidizers/propellants, equipment and supplies needed for

preparation, and the preparation procedure.

After the submission of the Concept Report, the EuRoC officials will assess the SRAD Solid propulsion

system case by case, after which it will contact the teams individually to clarify any doubts or concerns

and discuss the best approach for each specific case. In order to have a timely and profitable

discussion the information provided in the appendix should be as detailed as possible.

3.4. L

IQUIDS

& G

ASES

CQUISITION

Teams are required to indicate their fuel/oxidizer needs on the Technical Questionnaire.

Liquid/gaseous propellants must be acquired through EuRoC, under no circumstances will a team be

allowed to bring their own propellants. This is not applicable to any specific rubber/fuel for SRAD

hybrid motors which the teams themselves supply and can be considered inert and as such non-

dangerous.

Teams should ensure to order a sufficient amount of fuel/oxidizers, to account for possible mishaps or

possible needs for additional launch attempts during the event days. No additional fuel/oxidizer will

be on stock besides the amounts ordered by the teams on the Technical Questionnaire. After

submission of the questionnaire, the EuRoC organizers will contact the teams to provide detailed

information on the acquisition process, including ordering, costs and payment.

Please note that the bottle fittings might be different from the ones normally used by the team and

shall take all necessary precautions to ensure the compliance with the EuRoC supplier products. The

product sheets of the fuel/oxidizers will be made available to the teams, after the submission of the

questionnaire.

Teams are responsible by having all the necessary equipment on site (e.g., cooling chamber, thermal

protection, etc.).

3.5. E

NERGETICS

CQUISITION

Energetics (e.g., black powder, e-matches, igniters, CO2 cartridges) can be acquired directly via EuRoC.

Please note that for particular products, only CE marked products approved by the Portuguese

authorities can be legally used at EuRoC.

Teams should provide all the information regarding their energetics needs on the Technical

Questionnaire, including special requests for using SRAD systems or the possibility to manufacture it

in Portugal. Upon submission of the questionnaire, teams will be contacted by the EuRoC officials in

order not only to assess any special requests but also to provide more detailed information on the

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products available and respective costs. Teams should not forget to account for spares. Several

products will also be available, in limited quantities, at the Pyro Shop.

While the EuRoC organization will always work to provide the best solution, teams need to be aware

that some products (e.g., black powder) might not be exactly the same as the team is used to.

Teams wishing to, will have the possibility to test their systems on the launch site in the earlier days

of the event before the launch days.

3.6. I

MPORT

XPORT TO

ROM

ORTUGAL

SRAD hybrid and liquid motors can generally be imported into Portugal in a neutral, non-dangerous

state, nonetheless teams need to ensure on their own that all import requirements that might apply

are fulfilled. The same applies to the inert propellants for hybrid motors, but once again teams shall

ensure that all the import requirements are fulfilled and that they have the right documentation.

It is strictly forbidden for the teams to directly import SRAD solid motors into Portugal. Teams with

solid motors should contact the organization, via [email protected], as soon as the delivery of the Concept

Report.

When shipping via parcel teams need to ensure a timely shipping, be aware that there might be delays

or customs complications that require some time to handle, causing at the limit a team inability to

launch.

Teams shipping via parcel from outside the EU should refer to the EuRoC Temporary Admission Guide,

available at the Teams Area in the EuRoC website, that contains useful information on this matter.

When preparing the shipping to Portugal, teams should also plan ahead the return of the project to

the home country with special attention to used batteries, rocket parts, unused propellants and

motors. COTS solid motors that remain unused by the end of EuRoC will be following for destruction

unless teams find a way to ship it or another feasible alternative.

Closer to the event, the EuRoC organizers will provide a shipping address/contact to where teams

should send all the parcels.

3.7. T

RANSPORTATION TO

AT THE

VENT

Teams are responsible for their own transportation getting to and from EuRoC as well as getting

around during the event. For loading/unloading purposes, it is expected that teams can temporarily

access an unloading area both at the paddock and at the launch site, to be checked prior with the

EuRoC official present on site. Nonetheless for the remaining time teams need to comply with the

designated parking areas. Entrance at the Santa Margarida Military Camp will be restricted to

authorized personnel only, so be sure to use the team’s credentials, provided during the registration,

at all times.

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Transportation, from the storage site to the paddock, will be provided for the shipped parcels.

Transportation of the teams’ projects from the paddock area to the launch site will also be provided,

this transport will take place the day before a team’s launch. The specific time of this transport will be

communicated to the teams at the event.

4. LAUNCH SITE ORGANIZATION

4.1. R

OLES AND

ESPONSIBILITIES

To ensure launch operations as well as an overall successful event, the EuRoC officials are structured

in several primary areas headed by the responsible officer which counts with various deputies in order

to fulfil the respective responsibilities. At EuRoC teams will find the following officers:

•

Technical Evaluation Board (TEB) Head;

Mission Control Officer (MCO);

Launch Control Officer (LCO);

Range Safety Officer (RSO);

Preparation Officer (PO);

During the event, when in need to reach out to the organization, teams should streamline the contacts

according to the respective roles and responsibilities, in this way guaranteeing the most accurate and

timely response. Teams can find below more detailed information

on each officer’s responsibility, to

better understand what to expect and who the team should contact in the various cases once arriving

at EuRoC.

The TEB Head, with the help of the deputies, will oversee and orchestrate the overall paddock

operations. It will coordinate with the Preparations Officer on the outcome and Action Items of the

Flight Readiness Review (FRR). The TEB Head will oversee the overall scheduling at the paddock area

as well as the FRR schedule. Teams will only be able to perform the launch rail fit check after

authorization of the TEB Head. All paddock related matters/questions shall be discussed with the TEB

Head.

The MCO, with the help of the deputies, will oversee and orchestrate the overall launch operations. It

will oversee the teams in the mission control area and teams wanting to proceed to the Launch Pad

shall do so only with the authorization of the MCO. In accordance with the various moments of the

launch operations the MCO will set the Launch Site Status. Mission Control personnel is also

responsible for assuring that the flight predictions are within the safety limits, thus, teams shall provide

the most up to date simulations and make the officials aware of any chances made to the rocket. The

MCO will orchestrate and conduct the countdown, being also responsible for managing the rocket

tracking and the coordination of the Recovery Team.

The LCO, with the help of the deputies, will oversee and orchestrate the launch pad operations. It will

manage the setup and operation of the launch rails, the handling and loading of liquids and gases, as

well as the overseeing of the installation and test of ignition systems on the launch pad. The LCO will

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oversee and assist the teams with launch pad integration, and it will conduct a final safety inspection

on the launch rail.

The Range Safety Officer (RSO), with the help of the deputies, will ensure that the launch site

operations are in accordance with regulations and standards while also overseeing and orchestrating

operations in the public area and media area. To assure that everyone, at all times, is aware of the

safety measures put in place during EuRoC, the RSO will conduct safety briefings and drills. Launch site

inspections will be performed to ensure adequate hazard mitigation measures in all areas, if at any

moment a team identifies a potential hazard it should report it to the RSO in order to be taken

appropriate measures. The Range Safety officials manage the airspace clearance, also monitoring the

meteorological conditions. The RSO will oversee the access control to the launch site and manage the

launch site clearance according to the range status. The RSO is responsible for coordinating the

emergency response. If a team needs medical assistance, it shall request aid to the emergency

authorities available on site, to assure a timely response. If at any given moment a team feels there is

a safety breach of any kind, it shall contact immediately the RSO.

The Preparation Officer (PO), with the help of the deputies and the pyrotechnics team, will oversee

and orchestrate operations in the preparation and pyrotechnics area. It will coordinate with the TEB

Head and control and help with the resolution of Action Items issued in the FRR, while also conducting

the Launch Readiness Reviews (LRR) and issuing the Flight Card. The PO will oversee the launch

scheduling thus, questions regarding LRR, overall schedule, launch slots, scrubbed flights shall be

directly communicated to the PO. The Preparation Area officials will manage the preparation and

integration of pyrotechnics and motors. After launch and recovery teams shall be prepared for the PO

to conduct the Postflight Review (PFR) and fill the Postflight Record.

4.2. L

AUNCH

ITE

PERATION

EGULATIONS

The launch site dimensions are oriented on NFPA 1127 for complex rockets (e.g., multi-stage, clustered

motors) with a maximum allowable altitude of 10000 m.

The EuRoC launch site (see Figure 5) has a circular diameter of 5000 m (radius of 2500 m) with the

launch pad at its centre and a minimum spectator distance of 610 m from the launch pad. Only

essential launch personnel may be allowed as close as 305 m to the launch pad with explicit permission

by the RSO. All event areas, including mission control, are set up outside of the 610 m radius.

Teams shall only be permitted to launch if a nominal flight is projected to touch down downrange well

within the launch site radius of 2500 m.

The launch corridor is in the form of a circle segment with a +/- 10° arc with a length (radius) of 11500

m downrange.

The launch site is located at Santa Margarida Military Camp, consequently EuRoC operation

regulations will be subject to and in-line with the camp regulations. During launch operations, the

access to the military camp may be restricted.

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Figure 5: EuRoC launch site at Santa Margarida Military Camp.

4.3. L

AUNCH

OCATION AND

AUNCH

IRECTION

Nominal launch direction is 133° from North azimuth, roughly towards the South-East. The wind

direction will be monitored, and the launch direction may be adjusted accordingly.

The maximum inclination of the launch rails is 84±1°. Launch rail inclination may be lowered by the

event organizers if they see fit to further increase the safety margin.

Table 1: Launch Pad Details.

Latitude of Launch Pad

Longitude of Launch Pad

Elevation of Launch Pad

Nominal Launch Direction

Nominal Launch Rail Inclination

39°23'22.92"N

8°17'20.27"W

160 m above mean sea level

133° from North azimuth

84±1° from horizonal

4.4. V

EHICLE

PERATIONAL

EGULATIONS

In accordance with the EuRoC Design, Test & Evaluation Guide, the minimum rocket take-off velocity

off the launch rail is 30 m/s, the minimum static stability margin off the launch rail is 1.5 calibres, and

the maximum permitted impulse of the rockets is 40,960 Ns.

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4.5. A

IRSPACE

The national airspace authorities need to clear the airspace for the event. There will be dedicated

launch windows within which the 3000 m flight category rockets may be launched. For high-flying

rockets in the 9000 m flight category, special short duration launch windows with dedicated air space

clearance are requested prior to the event (typically 10 min) which must be maintained and strictly

followed.

4.6. M

ETEOROLOGICAL

ONDITIONS

The meteorological conditions are assessed via forecasts, meteorological data, and a launch site

weather station. For launch operations to commence, the maximum allowable wind speed on-ground

is 8.7 m/s.

The ascent trajectory needs to be free of clouds. In case of thunderstorm or lighting in the area, launch

operations will be suspended immediately.

4.7. L

AUNCH

ITE

TATUS

The launch site status will be indicated visually via a coloured flag (green-yellow-red) near the mission

control, and in addition via Public Announcement. The following four statuses may be raised, each

with increasing restrictiveness.

•

Green Flag Status: A green flag indicates that no direct launch operations are on-going. Only

non-hazardous preparatory work is underway. Teams and staff are free to move on the launch

site, respecting and keeping clear of teams’ and staff’s direct work areas. Visitors are free to

move on the spectator area. However, visitors may not enter the teams’ areas, except if by

explicit invitation by a team or staff and shall be accompanied at all times.

Yellow Flag Status: A yellow flag indicates that launch preparations are on-going. Potentially

hazardous tasks are underway, such as handling of motors, pyrotechnics, and propellants in

the pyro preparation area, on route to the launch pad, and at the launch pad. Teams and staff

may remain in these areas and shall be aware of the on-going activities. Personnel not directly

involved in hazardous tasks shall stay clear of them. In addition, the team and staff areas in

their entirety are off-limits to spectators.

Red Flag Status: A red flag indicates that launch preparations are in their final stages.

Additional, potentially hazardous tasks are underway on the launch pad, such as connecting

of igniters, arming of electronics, and removal of safety pins. Only essential personnel may be

at the launch pad (within the 610 m safety radius). The team and staff areas in their entirety

are clear of all non-essential personnel. Essential personnel may also include team members

in need to perform critical tasks on their vehicle to ensure launch readiness for their launch

slot

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later during the launch day. All personnel must be in high alert, immediately ready at all times

to move to the spectator’s area as soon as

the final launch status signal sounds.

•

Final Launch Status: A final announcement together with an acoustic signal indicates that

launches are imminent. No additional flag will be raised, the red flag remains up. The team

and staff areas in their entirety are clear of all personnel, and remaining personnel is to move

to the spectator area. Only launch control personnel may be within the 610 m safety radius at

the forward mission control. All other personnel are either at the mission control or at the

spectator area. Movement to, from, and on the launch site may be restricted.

Category

1 - Spectators

2 - General Teams/Staff

3 - Essential Teams/Staff

4 - Launch Control

by invitation only

Personnel of group [Category] can be at [Area]

during …

Green

Flag

Yellow

Flag

Red Flag all

times

… but must leave once the status is raised.

Figure 6: Access rights according to Launch Site Status.

4.8. L

AUNCH

AIL

ENNANT

Each launch rail shall have its own red pennant to be fixed visibly on the rail to indicate any potentially

hazardous activity, for example an on-going propellant loading or arming process, or a potentially

hazardous state, for example the presence of a loaded rocket or a pressurized tank.

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5. SCHEDULING

5.1. S

CHEDULING

ROCESS

The EuRoC scheduling process follows a first-come, first-served principle for the FRR, LRR, and launch

time slots. In addition, for the launch timeslots, technical considerations such as target altitude,

propulsion type, hybrid/liquid pressurization considerations are taken into account.

EuRoC provides several slots for the teams, thus the responsibility to find a suitable combination of

timeslots lies with the team.

Teams shall apply for a timeslot for the FRR during their registration at the event on the event’s first

day. After the FRR, if the status is “Nominal” or “Provisional”, teams

shall apply for a LRR and Launch

timeslots with the EuRoC staff.

5.2. B

ACKUP

AUNCH

LOTS

Timeslots selected by the teams may be subject to changes due to unforeseen issues or force majeure

(i.e., weather). In such cases, a backup possibility for the team may be attempted, prioritizing launch

slot selection according to the table below (see Table 2).

In all cases, EuRoC is reserving the right to alter the launch slots/launch order if necessary.

Table 2: Launch Slot Prioritization.

Priority given in launch slot choice

Original Slot Was this the launch slot originally chosen by the team?

Is there a readily available open launch slot later on the launch day,

not interferring with any other planned launches?

Backup Slot

Is this the teams first (second, third, ...) launch attempt?

Was the team's launch attempt scrubbed due to a third party?

Was the team's earlier launch scrubbed due to force majeure?

Was the team's launch attempt scrubbed due to the team itself?

Despite the best efforts, events related to force majeure are out of the control of the EuRoC organizers.

Therefore, a general guarantee that teams can launch at the event or will have a backup launch slot

under all circumstances cannot be given.

5.3. E

VENT

AYS

As an example, for an 8-day event, the event days will be scheduled as follows:

Day 1 and 2: Preparation Days.

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Paddock and launch site open and preparations start. Teams will register and welcome and safety

briefings will be held. Teams will perform their jury pitch on the Jury Day. Registration for FRR shall be

made, afterwards registration for the LRR and Launch Slots will be open.

Day 3 to 7: Launch Days.

Beginning of launch operations, with Launch Readiness Reviews, launches, recoveries and postflight

reviews. Transportation of teams’ rockets and equipment will be performed to/from the launch site

from/to the paddock.

Day 8: Wrap up.

Postflight Highlights and Award Ceremony.

5.4. S

ETUP

IME

The baseline for an efficient and safe setup is a well-trained and independently acting crew. Good

training can be achieved prior to the competition via static firing tests.

Teams should train, drill, improve, and organize, focusing on becoming more efficient, for example

taking the lessons learned to design ground support equipment for efficient use. Some target setup

times are included below for reference (see Table 3).

Table 3: Example target setup times for typical launch preparation activities according to propulsion type.

Activity

Mission Control setup

Launch Pad equipment setup

Rocket on rail and rail erected to

launch angle

Power-up, telemetry and checkouts (*)

Propellant loading, including

pressurization (*)

Igniter loading (*)

Pyrotechnics arming, final check (*)

Total (serial vs. parallel)

Solids

30 minutes

15 minutes

N/A

Hybrids

30 minutes

45 minutes

15 minutes

30 minutes

Bi-liquids

30 minutes

60 minutes

15 minutes

30 minutes

60 minutes

10 minutes

5 minutes

115 / 60 minutes 180 / 120 minutes 210 / 165 minutes

(*) Actions that cannot be carried out in parallel.

6. PRE-LAUNCH PREPARATION

6.1. P

REPARATION AT THE

ADDOCK

In the paddock, teams will carry out the final preparations before the launch day. Teams can expect to

find tables, chairs, and a power outlet in the respective booths. Teams are expected to bring their own

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tools, supplies, power extension/multi cords, desk lights, and whatever else they might need. Teams

may conduct smaller mechanical and electrical work within their booths (e.g., hand drilling, soldering)

on appropriate working pads/boards they should carry with them. Any potentially dangerous work,

especially associated with a substantial amount of heat release (e.g., angle grinder, welding) shall be

conducted outside the paddock tent in a dedicated area.

It is not permitted, under any circumstances, to conduct tests involving propellants, explosives, or

energetics in or around the paddock area. Teams wanting to conduct tests, shall do it so at the launch

site on the day prior to the first launch day with explicit approval of the Preparation Officer and with

assistance of the Preparation Officer Deputy in conjunction with the Pyrotechnics staff.

The working hours of the paddock are 08:00 to 24:00.

6.2. F

LIGHT

EADINESS

EVIEW

(FRR)

The Flight Readiness Review is a complete technical review of the teams’ project performed by the

Technical Evaluation Board. It is a major milestone that gives the team the clearance to transfer the

vehicle from the paddock to the launch area to start the dedicated launch preparations.

Within the FRR, the TEB goes through a detailed FRR checklist (see Appendix C of the Design, Test &

Evaluation Guide), for which teams must be prepared. The rocket shall be disassembled at the joints

and nosecone, and access to the recovery system (including parachutes), avionics, and payload should

be granted.

All criteria can be scored “red” (Denied), “yellow” (Provisional), “green” (Nominal), or “grey” (not

applicable). If any single criterion is scored “red”, the overall flight status is “Denied”. This will cause

the team to FAIL the FRR and will not be allowed to launch their vehicle. If any single criterion is scored

“yellow”, while no criterion is “red”, the overall flight status is “Provisional” (please see further

details

in DTEG). Any criterion that is scored “yellow” in the FRR will result in an Action Item which is a

mandatory task that needs to be resolved by the team. Any Action Items preventing a “Nominal” flight

status can be addressed by the teams after FRR and before the subsequent Launch Readiness Review

(LRR). Providing all Action Items have been addressed accordingly, the flight status can then be raised

to “Nominal” by the Preparation Officer or Deputy during LRR.

The Preparation Officer (PO) and Range Safety Officer (RSO) shall be informed by the TEB of the

outcome of the FRR, especially regarding any criticalities and action items that might require further

discussion.

6.3. L

AUNCH

AIL

HECK

The Launch Rail Fit Check is part of the FRR where teams need to demonstrate that their vehicle fits

and can be safely mounted on the respective launch rail, event-provided or team-provided, for which

teams shall coordinate with the TEB. Teams shall have the launch lugs readily available at the paddock.

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When bringing their own, teams need to ensure that the rocket fits the launch rail. On the launch site,

the LCO or Deputy will check again that the vehicle is mounted properly on the launch rail for all teams.

6.4. L

AUNCH

AIL

ETUP

EuRoC provided launch rails will be set up by the event organization, while team provided launch rails

shall be set up by the team. Transport of team launch rails to the launch pad shall be organized by the

team

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please note that the road is very rough and uneven including some big boulders.

Teams can set up their launch rails on the launch pad on the first days, before the launch days. Teams

should bring all the tools and equipment needed to do so. Teams launch rails should be set up all the

way to the side of the launch pad, and then moved to the final position in the morning of the launch

day when they are needed. The final position of the launch rails shall be coordinated with the event

staff. Independently of what launch rail teams use, teams should have a dedicated and trained launch

rail crew. Teams using the EuRoC launch rails can train during the preparation days.

Teams are responsible to and for any damage that bad utilization of the launch rails may impose to

equipment and people.

6.5. COTS S

OLID

OTORS

REPARATION

Teams that have ordered a COTS solid motor shall go to the launch site during the preparation days

and check with the EuRoC staff if everything is in order.

Some COTS solid motors need more elaborate preparation, (e.g., parts needing to be glued and to cure)

which needs to be done during the preparation days by the team in conjunction with the EuRoC staff.

EuRoC staff can provide support, teams shall communicate early if needing support.

6.6. H

YBRID

& L

IQUID

OCKETS

REPARATION

The main points in hybrid & liquid rocket preparation are checking if all bottles are complete, if the

bottle fittings are appropriate, setting up the loading station, and testing the loading station.

During the preparation days, there is the possibility to set up the liquid loading station on the launch

pad, then move it towards the left side of the launch pad. The loading time is critical during launch day

operations (see DTEG for more details).

Please note that the bottle fittings may vary from the ones teams normally use and thus, adaptors

might be needed. On the Teams Area of the EuRoC website teams can find all the necessary

information on the bottles that will be available at EuRoC. It is the team full responsibility to come

prepared with the necessary adaptors, no adaptors will be provided at EuRoC.

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6.7. SRAD S

OLID

OTORS

REPARATION

For SRAD Solid Motors, please see Sections 3.3. and 3.6.

6.8. O

-S

ITE

ESTING

Testing should be done prior to the event. Potentially hazardous testing, especially involving black

powder and energetics for the recovery system, cannot be done at the paddock. Teams may conduct

tests at the launch site, for example tracking/telemetry, ignition system, or remote filling station.

Any tests at the launch site shall be conducted before the actual launch days. Teams shall limit the

number of people on the launch site to the necessary minimum to ensure smooth preparation.

Support will be provided by the EuRoC staff.

7. LAUNCH DAY OPERATIONS

7.1. A S

AMPLE

AUNCH

In the table below, a sample launch day is shown for a team (in example) in the first launch window.

Table 4: A sample launch day.

07:00

08:00

08:30

09:30

10:00

10:30

11:00

12:00

12:30

13:00

13:30

14:00

Arrive at launch site, check if everything needed is at the launch pad, start

preparations

Morning Briefing

Install Motor

LRR

Move to the Launch Rail

Install igniters

Launch window opens - launch

Launch window closes - recovery

LRRs other teams, rocket found and returned

Other teams moving to the launch pad

Install igniters

Launch window opens

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15:00

15:30

16:00

17:00

18:00

19:00

Launch window closes - recovery

Postflight review commence

Launch window opens

Launch window closes - recovery

Postflight reviews completed

Launch Range Closed

Independent from the launch window the team will launch at, some ideal reference times can be found

below.

•

Time from arriving at the Launch site in the morning to being ready for LRR: 1-2 h;

Time from LRR to launch rail: 15 min;

Time at the launch pad to get ready for launch: 15 min;

Hybrid and liquid time for loading: max. 90 minutes including pressurization (See EuRoC Rules

& Requirements);

Time between launch window closes and recovery: ASAP, teams shall have the recovery team

(2-3 members) ready to go;

Time between recovery and postflight review: ASAP, but other teams’ LRR and launch

preparation have priority;

Cleaning of the launch site and packing up: after the postflight review.

7.2. M

ORNING

RIEFING

The morning briefing aims at synchronizing all the involved in the launch operations, run through the

plan for the day, address criticalities and questions.

The morning briefing is mandatory for the team leader with the option of one more team member for

support (max. 2 persons per team will be allowed). Teams should take this opportunity to raise any

questions, concerns or to pro-actively address any issue or concern that might impact the team's

readiness to launch or that could be potentially relevant for safety.

7.3. L

AUNCH

REPARATION

Launch operations start with the collection of the launch vehicle from the transportation truck,

followed by settling into the already assigned preparation tent to do all the preparation towards the

LRR. Teams shall also start preparing all the necessary mission control equipment.

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If a team gets clearance from the LRR, they will be assigned a Team’s Mission Control tent, to where

teams shall move all the previously prepared mission control setup.

All the ground segment at Launch Pad and Mission Control must be ready and operational before the

launch windows start.

7.4. L

AUNCH

REPARATION

Teams must prepare the launch pad setup after being assigned a launch rail. Teams using their own

launch rail, must have the rail set during the preparation days, to move it to the designated area on

the launch day. EuRoC launch rails will be operational on their respective area.

The loading station setup can be done during the preparation days on a designated area of the launch

pad and then moved to the assigned launch rail. Teams should consider the uneven terrain and

prepare themselves with solutions to keep their setup levelled and balanced to ensure the correct

operation of all equipment.

7.5. E

NERGETICS

The Pyrotechnics Team, under coordination of the PO, will supply the teams with black powder,

electrical igniters or other pyrotechnics components that cannot be brought by the teams. The EuRoC

team will supervise, review and support the teams with the application of igniters or other

pyrotechnical devices, under approval of the PO or Deputy. These materials are stored and delivered

on the launch site. Teams are permitted to install pyrotechnics and energetics only in the morning

prior to their launch.

7.6. M

OTOR

NSTALLATION

The PO Deputy will support the teams with solid motor installation in the vehicle. The team will need

to obtain the PO approval on the Flight Card that the solid motor (or solid part of the hybrid motor)

has been installed correctly. With this signature, the teams are then eligible to move to the Mission

Control Area, but not yet to the Launch Pad. At Mission Control, the MCO will coordinate further

operations.

7.7. L

AUNCH

EADINESS

EVIEW

(LRR)

The Launch Readiness Review will be conducted at the launch site on the day of the launch. Teams will

be able to sign up for their preferred LRR time prior to their launch day on a first come, first served

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basis. The earlier teams can schedule the LRR, the more time and less pressure they will have for final

launch preparations afterwards.

For a team to be accepted to proceed to the LRR (meaning to start the LRR, not to pass it), the following

conditions need to be met by the teams:

•

The team has completed

the FRR with at least “Provisional” flight status;

Following the FRR, the team has addressed all issues scored as “yellow”;

The team has moved their vehicle to the launch site and is ready to begin launch activities, the

next step being loading the solid motor/energetics or moving the launch vehicle to the launch

rail for loading of liquid propellants.

During the LRR, teams will be expected to explain:

•

How they resolved the FRR Action Items, if applicable;

Explain any changes on documentation/checklists they made prior to launch, if applicable;

•

Why their rocket can now be considered ready to launch verification.

Furthermore, the LCO will conduct the following steps:

•

Re-inspect Action Items if necessary;

•

Final visual inspection of the vehicle.

Teams need to be ready on time for the LRR. The rocket should be as ready as possible. To increase

efficiency, teams should have a list of action items ready. If there are action items that would require

showing “internal” parts of the rocket, teams

may document the resolution of these items by pictures

and videos, like that, teams can already largely assemble their rocket for LRR.

For a team to successfully pass the Launch Readiness Review, the officials will have to raise all criteria

to “green” and the flight status to “Nominal”. They will do so if they are convinced that all Action Items

have been resolved by the teams and there are no further criteria preventing a safe and successful

launch. At the end of the LRR, the issuance of the Flight Card to the team certifies that the LRR has

been passed successfully. With the Flight Card, teams will go to mission control, where they can get

approval of the MCO to move their vehicle to the launch pad. Teams should ideally be ready to move

to the launch pad within 15 min after the LRR.

7.8. L

OADING OF

ROPELLANTS

In the morning of the launch day, teams will coordinate with the LCO about their need to get the liquid

propellants. These are stored in a storage container near the launch pad. With that, the LCO will initiate

preparations to load gaseous/liquid propellants on the Launch Pad. Teams will then prepare the

loading process themselves.

After the vehicle is mounted on the Launch Rail, the LCO or its Deputy will oversee and support the

loading of the gaseous/liquid Propellants onto the vehicle at the Launch Pad. Teams will carry out the

loading themselves. Teams are required to share any relevant technical information with the LCO to

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ensure a safe and quick loading of the vehicle. Teams are required to bring any tools and equipment

necessary for loading of propellants for their specific vehicle.

The vehicle will remain in a “safed” state throughout the loading process. The LCO will inform the MCO

about the status of the loading process. The LCO or Deputy will confirm on the Flight Card the proper

and successful loading with propellants.

7.9. F

LIGHT

ARD

When arriving to the launch site for the launch day teams shall fill out the Flight Card with their

respective information (e.g., flight category, propulsion type, launch rail, CONOPS, frequency details,

etc.). EuRoC officials will acknowledge that the motor is installed correctly, that a team has successfully

passed the LRR and has the final inspection complete through the signature of the Flight Card, that

once fully completed and signed shall be delivered to the MCO.

7.10. W

EATHER

HECK

EuRoC requires that cloud cover shall not mask the ascent, thus for cloud covered sky the launches will

be suspended. Low hanging cloud cover may allow 3 km launches, but not permit 9 km launches.

The wind speed and direction on ground will be monitored by a weather station by the EuRoC staff.

The weather information is passed on to the teams to consider for the updated flight simulation.

7.11. U

PDATED

LIGHT

IMULATION AND

RAJECTORY

NALYSIS

Any open questions about the flight simulation should be addressed as early as possible, at the latest

at the FRR. Teams must provide flight simulation data representing real-world launch conditions

(vehicle launch configuration, wind direction, wind speed) in an OpenRocket format to MCO after

Flight Card issuance to ensure that the stability and trajectory are compliant with the operation

regulations before the launch.

Along with the flight simulations, teams must provide a motor thrust curve for the final flight

configuration. The last version of the file must include all the physical modifications and weight

improvements made after FRR and LRR. If instructed, after LRR, teams must show and explain their

project changes to the MCO or its Deputy at mission control to explain and check their final flight

simulation setup.

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7.12. T

RANSPORT OF THE

OCKET TO THE

AUNCH

With the signature of the LCO or Deputy on the Flight Card, the teams are eligible to move to the

Mission Control Area, where they will inform the MCO that they are ready to move to the launch pad.

The MCO will give its oral approval once the appropriate operational conditions are given, which must

be confirmed with the RSO and LCO as well as other officials. Only then are teams permitted to move

to the Launch Pad.

Teams will move their vehicle by foot. Transport of the vehicle is only permitted with the vehicle in a

“safed” state. The vehicle should always be pointed away from any personnel towards an open area.

7.13. M

OUNTING ON THE

AUNCH

AIL

Once the vehicle arrives at the Launch Pad, the LCO (or Deputy) will guide the team to their respective

Launch Rail and instruct the team about the mounting of the vehicle on the Launch Rail. The LCO will

inspect the Launch Rail prior to mounting to ensure its mechanical stability and readiness.

For team provided launch rails, the team will oversee the mounting of the vehicle, with support of the

LCO. For event-provided launch rails, the LCO (or Deputy) will oversee it.

7.14. I

GNITION

YSTEM

Details on the ignition system can be found in the EuRoC DTEG

–

be aware that for COTS Solid motors

the use of the EuRoC provided ignition system is mandatory.

Teams can set up their own ignition systems (SRAD motors) at the team mission control. Teams may

run connecting wires to the launch pad or use wireless. For wireless systems, teams should test it again

at launch day to ensure no RF-interference with all the other teams present.

7.15. E

STABLISHING

AUNCH

EADINESS

Before final launch preparation, all non-essential personnel are removed from the Launch Pad and

must exit the specified Launch Site Safety distance (610 m).

Once all preparations have been concluded, excluding only those preparations that need to be

completed immediately before launch due to the specifics of the vehicle (e.g., for liquid/hybrid

vehicles), the LCO (or Deputy) will conduct a final visual inspection of the vehicle to ensure its launch

readiness. The LCO will confirm on the Flight Card the final inspection.

The LCO shall inform the MCO and the RSO about the readiness of the vehicle and wait for their

approval to continue with the “arming” process. For this, the MCO and RSO will transfer the launch

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site into a Launch Ready state. Once the LCO has confirmed launch readiness with the MCO and the

RSO, the vehicle is ready to be “armed”.

7.16. A

RMING

Once launch readiness has been established, the essential team personnel will check if the recovery

system is ready to be armed. Once this is confirmed, they will request the LCO permission to arm the

recovery system.

All ground-started propulsion system ignition circuits/sequences shall not be "armed" until all

personnel are at least 15 m away from the launch vehicle.

Personnel that are no longer required at the launch pad thereafter shall urgently leave the Launch Pad

to the spectator area.

7.17. C

ONNECTING

GNITERS

Once arming is completed, the LCO may authorize the essential team personnel to proceed with the

installation of the event-provided ignition system or team-provided ignition system, under supervision

of the pyrotechnics team.

With the pyrotechnics team supervision, the team will keep the LCO informed about the status of the

ignition system installation process. The LCO will inform the MCO and RSO about the ignition system

installation process.

After installation of the igniters, all remaining essential personnel is to leave the launch pad with

urgency to the forward mission control.

Note:

Exceptions are made for the arming/connecting igniters sequence if igniters cannot be installed

as a last step, e.g., for upper stages.

7.18. G

-G

ALL

After arming, installation of igniters and retrieval of all personnel from the launch pad the Go/No-Go

call will be managed by the MCO, which is in direct contact with the Team Mission Control and the

pyrotechnics team. Teams will adhere to this call to confirm readiness for launch.

All deputies are managed internally by the officers, namely the MCO, PO, LCO and RSO, which shall go

through the respective checklists and assure all safety conditions are undertaken. If at any moment,

any of the officers has safety concerns the call will be interrupted.

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Version 01, Date 30.06.2022

7.19. C

OUNTDOWN

The MCO will rely the control to initiate countdown either to (1) pyrotechnics team, for EuRoC

provided ignition system or (2) to team lead, for team provided ignition system. Countdown will be

initiated down from 10 to 0, while 0 is “ignition”, voiced loudly and relayed via the PA system.

The RSO, MCO or pyrotechnics team/lead can interrupt the countdown at any time if necessary.

7.20. L

AUNCH

The success of a mission is not defined by lifting off the launch rail but spans all the way until the

recovery. Teams shall remain focused during the whole duration of the mission and best save

celebrations for touchdown.

Once the rocket is launched, the main task for the team mission control and the EuRoC Launch

operation team is to continuously monitor the flight trajectory and status. Therefore, a high focus

should be kept at throughout the whole flight. The teams’ mission

control should continuously and

openly communicate with the MCO the status of the flight, especially if it is nominal or not. If an

anomaly is detected that is potentially safety critical, this needs to be communicated immediately.

To ensure clear communication, chatter should be kept down until the mission is completed.

7.21. M

ISHAP

A launch mishap occurs when a flight attempt results in any potentially unsafe condition. Anybody

(especially also teams mission control) who detects such a condition is obliged to immediately

communicate to the nearest officer.

The RSO will orchestrate the immediate actions according to their assessment of the situation,

especially the observed severity of the mishap, specifically instructing the spectators in the spectator

area via PA and using the resources at their disposal to respond to the mishap, including the

emergency response services if necessary.

The LCO will monitor the condition from the forward mission control, especially monitoring the

trajectory. The LCO will communicate via radio to the RSO if there is any indication that the trajectory

might be up range towards the spectator area.

The MCO will close the loop with the team at mission control and monitor via tracking the trajectory

of the vehicle. The MCO will communicate via radio to the RSO if there is any indication that the

trajectory might be up range towards the spectator area.

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If touchdown can be confirmed visually, the RSO will monitor the point of impact for fires and

orchestrate the fire fighter response if necessary.

If a mishap results in an uncontrolled high altitude/long range drift of any part potentially leaving the

launch site, the RSO will immediately inform and coordinate with the airspace authority the

appropriate response, aided by the distributed surveillance posts. For this, all available tracking data

will be collected by the MCO and relayed to the RSO.

7.22. C

ONTINUATION OF

ALVO

Once safe touchdown has been confirmed and no fires are spotted, the RSO will give clearance for the

continuation of the launch salvo.

7.23. R

ECOVERY

For the recovery phase, teams shall have a Recovery Team composed by 2-3 members to be ready

immediately after the launch window closes to join the EuRoC Recovery Team on the search for the

vehicle. After RSO’s clearance

and MCO instructions, the recovery teams can start the operation.

Teams must have a recovery plan, to ensure they are prepared for this operation. GPS tracking system

should be tested exhaustively before the launch day. Range and “hide-and-seek” tests are highly

recommended.

Teams shall also prepare bags or boxes to transport the rocket fragments, in case of recovery system

failure. For possible damaged LiPo batteries, all teams are required to have a dedicated container with

the following features:

•

Non-metallic inner packaging that completely encloses the cell/battery;

Inner packaging made of a non-combustible, non-conductive, and absorbent cushioning

material;

Outer packaging that may be made of metal, wood, or solid plastic.

7.24. P

OSTFLIGHT

EVIEW

& P

OSTFLIGHT

ECORD

After recovery, a Postflight Review will be conducted by EuRoC officials, upon the team arrival to

mission control. If recovery is not successful, the Postflight Review will take place at the end of the day

after launch operations. This review aims at assessing the success of the flight and recovery operations.

Teams must have, at least, gloves, masks, and goggles to handle the vehicle. If needed, teams can use

working tools to open the rocket to access obstructed compartments. Any hot work with tools must

be coordinated with the EuRoC officials conducting the review.

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Before any action, the vehicle must be in a safe state: propellant tanks shall be empty, remaining, or

unburned solid propellants removed, recovery electronics shall be “safed” and energetics shall be

“safed” and removed.

During the review teams shall communicate the mission’s success, by assessing it with the

EuRoC

officials, e.g., the mission progress and status, rocket integrity, data collected, touchdown coordinates,

payload mission and status, etc. Teams shall also communicate to the EuRoC officials if any rocket part

is still missing.

After the Postflight Review, teams shall download, to the possible extent, altitude logging/tracking

data, especially from the official altitude logging and tracking device and upload it to the Teams’ Area

in the EuRoC website, together with the last flight simulation, including the estimated touch down

point.

If available, at any point of the event, teams shall download any data from the payload experiment

and upload it to the Teams’ Area in the EuRoC website.

Teams must document the Postflight Review via the Postflight Record, that shall be delivered to the

EuRoC officials and where it will be recorded the success of the flight and recovery, and the data

transfer.

7.25. L

AUNCH

ITE

AINTENANCE AND

LEANING

If any equipment is required to be scrapped or dumped (e.g., batteries, chemicals leftovers), the

team is responsible for its correct disposal process. Avoid at all costs leaving unnecessary trash at the

launch site.

APPENDIX A: ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

CONOPS

COTS

SRAD

LRR

FRR

RSO

MCO

LCO

DTEG

Concept of Operations

Commercial off-the-shelf

Student Researched and Developed

Launch Readiness Review

Flight Readiness Review

Range Safety Officer

Mission Control Officer

Launch Control Officer

Preparation Officer

Design, Test and Evaluation Guide

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Public Address

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APPENDIX B: LAUNCH SITE EQUIPMENT

B.1. E

C M

ISSION

ONTROL

In the EuRoC Mission Control teams will find the following basic support equipment:

•

1-phase

230VAC CEE 7/3 “Schuko” power outlet at each tent;

Light tower for working after dusk.

Note:

Teams must bring their own extension cables and socket rails/cable drums, etc., to be able to

use the power outlet supplied.

B.2. E

C L

AUNCH

In the EuRoC Launch Pad teams will find the following basic support equipment:

•

1-phase

230 VAC CEE 7/3 “Schuko” power outlet at each launch rail;

3-phase 400VAC IEC 60309 (16A) power outlet at each launch rail;

•

working after dusk, are expected to be available.

Two light towers for

Note:

Teams must bring their own extension cables and socket rails/cable drums, etc, to be able to use

the power outlet supplied.

APPENDIX C: LAUNCH DAY ESSENTIALS

C.1. P

LANNING

“Plan the Flight, Fly the Plan” is what makes a successful launch day. All the launch

processes must be

known in detail and proper checklists will speed up the procedures and ensure nothing is missing.

All tasks and respective responsible must be clearly defined, so everyone know what their

responsibilities are and who is doing what, when and where. Schedule a plan with (indicative) time

and locations, to guide the team throughout the day.

Table 5: Checklist example.

T-24h Procedure

Location: Paddock

To be done the day before launch day.

1.0 T

ASKS

ONE

1.1

Confirm SD cards are formatted and clear for onboard cams.

1.2

Perform full balance charge on 2S LiPo.

ESPONSIBLE

Camera Deputy

Electronics Deputy

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Perform full balance charge on 3S LiPo.

1.4

Fully charge 1S LiPo for AIM XTRA.

1.5

Fully charge 1S LiPo for EasyMega.

1.6

Remove all upper panels.

1.7

Remove aft cone.

1.8

Remove bottom 3 panels.

1.9

Verify flight software is uploaded to Stack flight computer.

1.10

Install flight fins.

1.3

Electronics Deputy

Flight Director

Software Deputy

Flight Director

C.2. L

AUNCH

ITE

NFRASTRUCTURE

In the teams’ preparation and mission control area, field tents will be

provided to the teams. These

will include electricity, lighting, tables, and chairs. In the pyrotechnics preparation area, there will be

a pyrotechnics storage truck and field tents to prepare the solid motors and recovery system

energetics, including electricity, lighting, tables, and chairs.

The launch pad is rectangular with an approximate dimension of 125 m x 20 m, providing enough space

to place both EuRoC and team provided launch rails. Electricity (both 1-phase 230V and 3-phase 400V)

and lighting will be provided, however the total power at the launch pad is limited and teams should

indicate their individual power needs prior to the event.

About 60 m to the side of the Launch Pad Area, a gas bottle storage will be setup, however space is

limited, and the teams should indicate their storage needs prior to the event.

C.3. E

NVIRONMENT

Santa Margarida Military Camp features an extremely dry and dusty environment. Most of the terrain

is uneven and hilly, with overgrown dry vegetation and a light forest towards the launch corridor.

The wild fauna of this dry area is composed mostly by insects and birds, with the occasionally

appearance of foxes. There are also some dangerous animals, namely ticks, scorpions and salamanders,

that despite not so common still require attention and carefulness.

Regarding the weather conditions, the launch site area offers no shade in the field, making the sun

exposure continuous while walking and working outside the tents. The sunlight during October is still

strong with high intensity UV radiation.

Typical temperatures in Santa Margarida in October are in the following range:

•

Average low 12°C (min 7°C);

Average high 21°C (max 30°C).

Details can be found on the

Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere

(IPMA) website.

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C.4. C

OMMUNICATION AND

ISIBILITY

The communication between the teams and EuRoC organization should be made, preferably, through

the Team Leader or an assigned Point of Contact, who should visibly wear the identification provided.

The Point of Contact must know who needs to reach, as different people can help with different

matters. All communication regarding teams’ status is always welcome, if the team is ready earlier,

running late, needing something, or having concerns, no matter what, communicate the team status

to the organization.

Be on time at the morning briefing, as this is the most adequate moment for communication before

operations start.

Emotions are flying high during launch day, especially when the team is stressed, stay respectful and

helpful towards other teams and the organizers.

C.5. R

ADIO

OMMUNICATION AND

REQUENCIES

All teams are encouraged to obtain a number of decent quality license-free PMR radios for internal

team communication, communication with EuRoC staff/mission control, ad-hoc coordination, etc.

A suitable supply of expendable spare batteries or battery chargers is highly recommended.

C.6. C

LOTHING

& B

ASIC

EEDS

All team

members are encouraged to come prepared with a suitable “field/day pack”, which is kept

close at hand (or worn) during launch days.

Due to the unpredictability of the weather in October, teams are highly encouraged to check the

weather forecast before departing to Portugal. Despite that, teams shall come prepared for all

eventualities, being it strong sunlight and high temperatures or heavy rain and low temperatures.

Below you can find some provisions intended to get teams through a EuRoC day or to enable teams to

continue efficient operation after loss of daylight.

•

Sunscreen, sunhat/umbrella and sunglasses;

Practical footwear for both dirty and muddy conditions;

Drinking water. Please note that there is no accessible water at the launch rails, nor mission

control;

Snacks, biscuits and other non-perishable energy supplements;

Headlamp/head-torch;

Backup clothing, covering exposed arms and legs. Even during warm weather after loss of

daylight it may result in a sudden and significant drop in ambient temperature. Also, coverage

of arms and legs is recommended for the recovery operations that might take place in thorny

terrain.

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C.7. P

ERSONAL

ROTECTION

QUIPMENT

All teams must bring any Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) required for all preparation and launch

activities. EuRoC does not have a supply of spare PPE. PPE includes, but is not limited to, safety goggles,

gloves, safety shoes, hardhats, ear protection, cryo-protection, etc.

C.8. E

QUIPMENT

RANSPORTABILITY

All the equipment brought

to the event is under each team’s responsibility, meaning that all

equipment brought to the event must also travel back with the team.

The launch pad is located 650 m away from the other event areas and can be reached via a dirt road,

however this

road is only open to teams’ vehicles prior to and after launch operations and closed to

teams' vehicles during operations. Therefore, teams should be prepared to gap this distance by foot.

All heavy equipment and transportation boxes should be designed/upgraded to be easier to transport

on the dusty and uneven terrain of Santa Margarida Military Camp.

C.9. E

QUIPMENT

UGGEDIZATION

All teams are encouraged to upgrade the equipment to endure harsh environments. Dust and

shockproof electronics are highly advised to work on the launch site, as the fine powder will find its

way onto any device and to ensure the equipment can absorb any potential fall or hit.

All mechanisms as joints, hose connectors, gears, etc., are also subject to dust and their maintenance

should be adapted to this environment. Make sure everything is cleaned before connecting parts and

for parts lubrification use dry lube instead of grease if possible.

C.10. S

ELF

-S

UFFICIENCY

All teams must bring the necessary technical equipment for the respective project. This includes

everything from tools, electronic and electrical equipment to other specific solutions for their project’s

needs (e.g., a cooling chamber for gases, power strips and extensions). Every phase of the competition

requires specific tools, from preparation to recovery. Planning each phase separately will help teams

to not miss a thing.

Be prepared for the unexpected, all equipment and tools brought to the competition should be

planned in advance. Smart packing and packing lists are highly encouraged.

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